If you've been poking around the technical side of game modification or advanced Luau coding, you've likely come across the roblox get_thread_identity script function while browsing through documentation for various execution environments. It isn't something you'll find in the standard Roblox API reference that most developers use to make basic games, but for those diving into the deeper layers of how scripts interact with the engine, it's a bit of a legendary tool. Essentially, it's a way to ask the engine, "Hey, what kind of permissions do I actually have right now?"
Most people start their scripting journey by moving a part or changing a UI color, but once you start wondering why certain scripts can access "hidden" game features while others can't, you run into the concept of Thread Identity. Using a script to call get_thread_identity() (or its common shorthand getidentity()) allows you to see the security level of the current running thread.
Why Does Identity Even Matter?
Roblox isn't just one big open playground where every script is treated equally. If it were, any random user-made script could potentially mess with the core system settings of your computer or steal your login cookies. To prevent this, Roblox uses a tiered security system.
Think of it like a building with different keycard access levels. A regular visitor (a standard LocalScript) can walk into the lobby and use the elevator. An employee (a CoreScript) can go into the offices. A maintenance worker (the engine itself or high-level plugins) can go into the basement and mess with the wiring.
When you use a roblox get_thread_identity script, you're checking which keycard your script is currently holding. If you try to run a command that requires a Level 7 keycard while you're only holding a Level 2, the engine is going to stop you right there.
The Different Identity Levels Explained
It's helpful to know what the numbers actually mean when you run the script and get a return value. While these can shift slightly depending on how the engine updates, the general breakdown usually looks something like this:
- Identity 0: This is the default. It's the "I have no special permissions" level.
- Identity 2: This is where most of us live. It's the standard level for
LocalScriptsandScriptswithin a game. You can move parts, change colors, and do all the normal game stuff. - Identity 3: Often associated with certain plugins or specific internal processes. It has a bit more wiggle room than level 2.
- Identity 6/7/8: This is the "God Mode" of scripting. These levels are usually reserved for the Roblox Command Bar, internal testing tools, or high-end script executors. If your script returns one of these numbers, it means you have the authority to bypass many of the standard restrictions put on developers.
Knowing your identity is crucial when you're trying to debug why a specific function won't work. If a function is "identity locked," it means it checks the thread identity before it executes. If the number isn't high enough, it just fails—sometimes without even giving you a clear error message.
How to Use the Roblox Get_thread_identity Script
Actually running the code is incredibly simple, provided you're in an environment that supports it. In most advanced executors or specialized debuggers, the syntax looks like this:
lua local myIdentity = get_thread_identity() print("My current identity is: " .. tostring(myIdentity))
Or, if you're using a version that uses the shorter alias:
lua print(getidentity())
It's a one-liner, but the information it gives you is the foundation for understanding how your scripts are interacting with the game's memory and restricted functions. If you're working on a complex project—maybe a custom plugin or a deep-level debugging tool—you'll find yourself using this more than you'd think.
The Difference Between get and set
You can't talk about the roblox get_thread_identity script without mentioning its sibling: set_thread_identity(). While get tells you where you stand, set attempts to change your level.
In a standard game environment, you can't just tell the game, "I'm a Level 8 now." The engine will just laugh at you (or, more likely, throw a massive error). However, in the context of exploit development or internal engine testing, being able to set the identity is how developers test protected functions. It's a powerful tool, and like any power tool, it can break things if you don't know what you're doing.
Most people use the get version simply to verify that their environment is set up correctly. If you're using a tool that claims to provide "Level 7 execution" but get_thread_identity() returns a 2, you know something is wrong with the injection process.
Practical Scenarios for Scripters
You might be wondering, "Okay, that's cool, but when will I actually need this?"
One common scenario is when you're writing a script that needs to work across different platforms or environments. Maybe you want your script to behave differently if it's being run in the Studio Command Bar versus being run inside a live game. By checking the identity, you can add "if-then" logic to ensure your code doesn't crash.
Another use case is for security researchers. People who study how games are exploited use the roblox get_thread_identity script to map out which parts of the Roblox engine are protected and which are vulnerable. It's a bit like a digital stethoscope—it lets you hear the heartbeat of the engine's security system.
Does This Work in Standard Roblox Studio?
This is a point of confusion for a lot of people. If you open up a standard LocalScript in Roblox Studio and type print(get_thread_identity()), you're probably going to get an error saying the function doesn't exist.
This is because Roblox doesn't expose this function to the standard Luau environment. They don't want every script to have the ability to probe the security layers. To use these functions, you generally need to be using a third-party executor, a custom build of the engine, or certain very specific plugin environments.
For the average hobbyist making a "Simulate Everything" game, you won't need this. But for the curious coder who wants to understand the "how" and "why" behind Roblox's architecture, it's a vital piece of the puzzle.
Common Misconceptions
A big mistake people make is thinking that having a high identity number automatically makes their script "untraceable" or "invincible." That's not really how it works. Identity is about permissions, not stealth.
Even if you have a Level 8 identity, the game's servers can still see the actions you take. If you use your high-level identity to delete the entire map, the server is still going to notice that the map is gone. The roblox get_thread_identity script just tells you what you can do, not what you can get away with.
Another misconception is that identity is the same as "Admin." In the Roblox world, "Admin" usually refers to scripts like Adonis or Kohl's Admin, which are just Luau scripts written by players to manage a game. Thread identity is a much deeper, engine-level concept. It's the difference between being a moderator on a website and being the person who owns the actual server hardware.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Identity
If you're at the stage where you're looking up the roblox get_thread_identity script, you're clearly moving past the "beginner" phase of scripting. You're starting to look under the hood of how the Luau VM (Virtual Machine) actually handles tasks and security.
It's a fascinating world. Roblox's security model is actually quite sophisticated, and identity levels are a huge part of why the platform can host millions of user-generated scripts without the whole thing turning into a chaotic mess of malware.
Just remember that while exploring these functions is a great way to learn, it's always best to experiment in a safe environment. Whether you're debugging a complex plugin or just satisfying your curiosity about how executors work, knowing your identity is the first step toward mastering the more advanced side of Roblox scripting. Keep coding, keep testing, and don't be afraid to dig into those "hidden" functions—that's usually where the most interesting stuff is hiding!